This handout discusses Lyme disease in dogs, primarily the issue of methods of testing for the disease.

Hypoglycemia can be caused by many different things including liver failure, sepsis, Addison’s disease, and overdose of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A tumor of the pancreas called an insulinoma can also cause low blood glucose due to excessive production of insulin. After detecting hypoglycemia on a blood sample, determining the cause includes a full history, physical exam, CBC, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. More advanced testing such as imaging, biopsy, or ACTH stimulation testing may be recommended.

Initial screening tests for liver disease include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry panel, and urinalysis. Bile acid testing can be used to detect problems in liver function. More advanced diagnostics to determine the cause of liver disease include abdominal ultrasound, fine needle aspiration of the liver, or liver biopsy. Testing for various infectious diseases, including leptospirosis, may also be indicated.

There are several tests for diagnosing leptospirosis, but the two most common ones are the DNA-PCR test and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Infection can be diagnosed with either test, but each has weaknesses, and in some situations, both tests may be needed to reach a diagnosis.

Lameness in your pet can be due to many possible causes. Examination may help determine the cause, but further testing may include radiographs, blood tests, or joint aspirations to help accurately determine the cause. Treatment and prognosis for the lameness will depend on the underlying cause.